FLOATING OFFSHORE PLATFORM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to floating offshore structures. More particularly, it relates to semi-submersible floating offshore structures for supporting wind turbines.

STATE OF THE ART

[0002] There exists a variety of offshore structures. They usually have a topside structure that houses different equipment depending on their application. Examples of such equipment are piping equipment, drilling devices, storage and energy production devices. The design of the whole structure is normally conditioned by the application it is intended for.

[0003] An example of a semisubmersible offshore platform for oil and gas extraction is disclosed in US8418640B2. Other examples of this type of offshore structures are disclosed in US2007224000A1, in US7963241B2 and in US8807874B2.

[0004] There are also semi-submersible floating offshore structures configured to support wind turbines. The structures designed for the Oil&gas sector are bigger and heavier than those designed for offshore wind, as the design considerations/restrictions are significantly different. Oil&gas structures support bigger and heavier equipment, are manned structures, and the nature of their application lead to higher safety levels to avoid oil spills. Thus, the stability criteria must be ensured by means of design safety factors, additional reinforcement elements and bigger elements to provide floatability and minimize the platform movements. Design is driven by safety considerations. For instance, double hull is usually considered and deck space is maximized.

[0005] On the other hand, offshore wind structures are unmanned with very low risk of spillage or affections to the environment. Design is driven by cost reduction, so the structures must be reduced in size but ensuring stability for the proper wind turbine operation. Besides, due to the nature of the application, Oil&gas structures do not have restrictions in terms of pitch and roll natural periods, which is the case for offshore wind structures.

[0006] An example of semi-submersible floating offshore structure configured to support wind turbines is described in WO2014/031009, which discloses one of such structures having a pontoon structure arranged in a star configuration. The offshore structure has four vertical columns: three of them are disposed on respective ends of the pontoon structure and a fourth one is located on the centre of the pontoon structure. This central column supports the wind turbine. This configuration leads to designs with larger distance between columns, implying that the pontoon that joins them to be larger and more expensive. A similar design is disclosed in CN102758447B, in which an offshore floating structure having three external columns and an internal one is shown. A deck is disposed on the upper ends of the three external columns. The deck has star configuration protruding from a central point, to which the upper end of the internal column is connected. A heave plate is disposed under the columns. However, due to the large dimensions of the heave plate, it moves a large amount of water, which generates very large moments in the connections with the columns that lead to fatigue problems. For this reason, truss members have been disposed to distribute the moment. Truss members are, however, not recommended, because the welds of these elements in environments as aggressive as the marine should be avoided due to fatigue problems. These problems may be overcome using a thicker structure, which implies more weight and the use of large amounts of steel.

[0007] WO2012069498A1 discloses an offshore floating structure having three external columns disposed around the central vertical axis of the structure and connected to each other by connecting members. The connecting members are horizontal pontoons totally immersed, exposed beams that serve as gateways to access the turbine, a central connecting piece, primary struts and secondary struts.

[0008] In turn, WO2014013098A1 discloses an offshore structure for supporting a wind turbine. It has four outer columns and a fifth internal column designed to support the wind turbine. In this case the structure material is concrete, which leads to a large water displacement and a much bigger platform weight. The five-column configuration provides an advantage in terms of stability, but the structure has a larger flotation area, that makes it more sensitive to the currents, increasing the mooring system complexity and cost.

[0009] Another offshore platform for supporting wind turbines is disclosed in EP2271547B1. This platform has three stabilizing columns having an internal volume for containing a ballast fluid. By means of a ballast control system, the ballast fluid moves between the internal volumes of the columns to adjust the vertical alignment of the columns. The three column configuration leads to larger distance between columns to ensure stability. The fact of having the wind turbine on top of one of the columns, leads to a non-symmetrical configuration, making stability more complex. The transfer of ballast between columns is necessary to maintain the verticality of the wind turbine, which makes the system more complex and requires redundancy to ensure its operation in cases of failure or emergency.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for developing a new semi-submersible floating offshore platform that overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above while minimizing the costs.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention attempts to solve the drawbacks mentioned above by means of a new floating offshore platform for supporting wind energy equipment. The platform has four vertical buoyant columns forming, together with a pontoon disposed at the bottom of the four columns and a deck or transition piece disposed at the top of the columns, the main structure of the platform. The floating platform is fixed to the seafloor by means of a mooring system. In operation, the wind turbine and any auxiliary equipment required for producing wind energy are located on top of the transition piece. The platform is aimed at supporting floating offshore wind equipment by providing an optimized technical solution that maximizes energy production of large wind turbines (for example from 5 to 10 MW) while limiting expensive offshore integration and maintenance procedures.

[0012] In a first aspect of the invention, it is provided a semisubmersible floating platform for supporting at least one wind turbine. The platform comprises four buoyant columns, each of them being attached at a first end to a ring pontoon; a transition piece configured to support at least one wind turbine, the transition piece being disposed on the buoyant columns at the end of the columns opposite said first end; and a heave plate assembled to the internal perimeter of the ring pontoon. The ring pontoon comprises four pontoon portions forming a quadrilateral-shaped ring pontoon wherein the first end of each column is attached to a respective corner of said quadrilateral-shaped ring pontoon. The heave plate is located in the internal perimeter of the ring pontoon, the pontoon and heave plate defining a hollow. The transition piece has four arms arranged in star configuration and protruding from a central point at which the wind turbine is located in use of the platform, the connection between the transition piece and the upper end of the four columns being designed to be located above the sea splash zone. Each of the buoyant columns comprises at least one ballast tank configured for, in use of the platform, allocating sea water in order to adjust the draft and to compensate for the inclination of the platform, said at least one ballast tank comprised in each column being independent of the at least one ballast tank of the other columns.

[0013] In embodiments of the invention, the heave plate is formed by four portions located in the internal perimeter of the ring pontoon, said four portions of which the heave plate is formed being triangle-shape portions or rectangular-shape portions.

[0014] In embodiments of the invention, the platform further comprises an active ballast system configured to pump sea water to each ballast tank of said columns, said pumping of sea water being made to each ballast tank independently from the pumping of sea water to other ballast tanks.

[0015] In embodiments of the invention, each column is internally stiffened with girders and stringers.

[0016] In embodiments of the invention, each column is internally divided into a plurality of sections.

[0017] In embodiments of the invention, the four columns have a same diameter, the ratio between the distance between two adjacent columns and said column diameter being selected such that the natural period of the platform in heave and the natural period of the platform in pitch/roll is kept equal to or above 20 seconds, said ratio varying on the wind turbine power.

[0018] In embodiments of the invention, the rate between the surface of the hollow defined by the pontoon and heave plate and the sum of the surface occupied by the pontoon plus the surface occupied by the heave plate plus the surface of the hollow defined by the pontoon and heave plate is selected such that the natural period of the platform in heave is kept equal to or above 20 seconds, said ratio varying depending on the wind turbine power.

[0019] In embodiments of the invention, the pontoon is divided into a plurality of compartments configured to be filled with concrete ballast.

[0020] In embodiments of the invention, the pontoon internally comprises a stiffening structure comprising girders and stringers.

[0021] In embodiments of the invention, the heave plate internally comprises a stiffening structure comprising girders and stringers.

[0022] In embodiments of the invention, the heave plate is supported by cantilevered beams ensuring structural continuity of the columns and pontoons reinforcements.

[0023] In embodiments of the invention, the platform further comprises a wind turbine generator placed on said central point of the transition piece.

[0024] In embodiments of the invention, in use of the platform, the transition piece remains above the wave zone.

[0025] In embodiments of the invention, the platform further comprises a catenary mooring system comprising a plurality of catenary mooring lines configured to fix the platform to the seabed.

[0026] In embodiments of the invention, the quadrilateral-shaped ring pontoon is a square-shaped ring pontoon.

[0027] Additional advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the detail description that follows and will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] To complete the description and in order to provide for a better understanding of the invention, a set of drawings is provided. Said drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate an embodiment of the invention, which should not be interpreted as restricting the scope of the invention, but just as an example of how the invention can be carried out. The drawings comprise the following figures:

Figures 1A and 1B show side views of a semi-submersible floating offshore platform 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 2A and 2B show two schemes of the internal structure of each column.

Figure 3 shows a top view of the platform of figures 1A and 1B, in which the deck or transition piece can be seen in more detail.

Figures 4A, 4B and 4C show in detail the internal structure of two neighbor portions forming the pontoon. Figure 4A shows a cross section of one portion (construction block) of the pontoon. Figures 4B and 4C show in detail the internal structure of the pontoon, how it connects to the lowest end of one of the four columns and the internal structure of part of the heave plate (made of triangular portions in figure 4B and of rectangular portions in figure 4C).

Figures 5A and 5B show different views showing the internal structure of one of the possible implementations of the heave plate of a platform according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6A shows a top view of the semi-submersible floating offshore platform according to an embodiment of the invention, including the pontoon, heave plate and four columns. The transition piece is not shown. Figure 6B shows a top view of a semi-submersible floating offshore platform according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the heave plate is implemented differently from the one in figure 6A.

Figure 7 shows a chart representing different values of natural period in heave for different ratios of surfaces of pontoon, heave plate and hollow defined by the heave plate and pontoon, for two different types of wind turbine.

Figure 8A shows a top view of the semi-submersible floating offshore platform according to an embodiment of the invention, including the transition piece, pontoon, heave plate and four columns. Figure 8B shows a side view of the semi-submersible floating offshore platform according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 8C shows an isometric view of the semi-submersible floating offshore platform according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figures 9A and 9B respectively show the upright floating position and the heeling position of the platform according to embodiments of the invention.

Figure 10 shows a chart representing different values of natural period in heave and rotational natural period (pitch, roll) for a 5 MW wind turbine for different ratios distance between columns / column diameter.

Figure 11 shows a chart representing different values of natural period in heave and rotational natural period (pitch, roll) for a 10 MW wind turbine for different ratios distance between columns / column diameter.

DESCRIPTION OF A WAY OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0029] In this text, the term "comprises" and its derivations (such as "comprising", etc.) should not be understood in an excluding sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include further elements, steps, etc.

[0030] In the context of the present invention, the term "approximately" and terms of its family (such as "approximate", etc.) should be understood as indicating values very near to those which accompany the aforementioned term. That is to say, a deviation within reasonable limits from an exact value should be accepted, because a skilled person in the art will understand that such a deviation from the values indicated is inevitable due to measurement inaccuracies, etc. The same applies to the terms "about" and "around" and "substantially".

[0031] The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is given solely for the purpose of describing the broad principles of the invention. Next embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example, with reference to the above-mentioned drawings showing apparatuses and results according to the invention.

[0032] Figures 1A and 1B show side views of a semi-submersible floating offshore platform 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a column-stabilized floating platform aimed at supporting offshore wind turbines. The semi-submersible floating offshore platform 1 is generally comprised of a pontoon 2, four buoyant columns 3, a deck or transition piece 4 and a heave plate 5. On top of the transition piece 4 standard topside equipment normally provided on an offshore structure is disposed. In this case, a wind turbine and optionally auxiliary equipment for the wind turbine is installed on transition piece 4. In the context of the present invention, the expression "wind turbine" is used to refer to wind turbines and any related equipment required for obtaining offshore wind energy, such as wind turbine generators, blades, a tower, a nacelle, etc. The pontoon 2 is a ring pontoon. In this text, the term "ring" refers to a structure defining a hollow portion, irrespective of the shape it adopts. This means that a ring pontoon according to the invention does not necessarily have circular shape. In fact, the ring pontoon 2 of the invention is preferably a square-shaped ring pontoon. In other words, the pontoon 2 defines a centered space or centered well. As shown in figures 1A and 1B, each corner of the ring pontoon 2 receives the bottom part of one of the four columns 3. In other words, the bottom part of each column 3 is connected to or integrated in one of the four corners of the ring pontoon 2. Thus, the columns 3 are rigidly attached to the pontoon 2.

[0033] The heave plate 5 is assembled or embedded to the pontoon 2. It is substantially flat. The heave plate 5 is located in the internal perimeter of the ring pontoon 2. In the embodiment shown in figures 1A and 1B, the heave plate 5 is made of four portions of substantially right-angle triangle shape. For each portion, the two sides forming the right angle are disposed partially filling the hollow space created by the pontoon 2 in one corner. That is to say, as shown in figures 1A and 1B, there is one portion (of heave plate 4) per internal corner of the pontoon 2. In other words, each triangle plate is located in front of the base of a floating column 3. Figure 6A shows a top view of a floating platform having a heave plate like the one just described (made of four portions of substantially right-angle triangle shape). Figure 6B shows a top view of a floating platform according to another embodiment of the invention, in which the heave plate is a square-shaped ring heave-plate made of four substantially equal parts. Each part is made of two flat sheets defining a right-angle. The four parts are put together forming a ring of square shape disposed at the outer area of the centered spaced defined by the pontoon 2. In both embodiments, the heave plate 5 delimits the central hole of the platform. Thus, the heave plate 5 defines a substantially square hollow part, as explained later in detail. The surface of the heave plate 5 may have girders and reinforcements and is designed to retain water while providing rigidity. The platform 1 also has a catenary mooring system 6. As can be observed, the platform 1 has no reinforcing braces, crossbars or stringers connecting pairs of columns 3 along their length. There are neither braces connecting the columns with the pontoon or connecting the heave plate (or portions forming the heave plate) with the pontoon or the columns.

[0034] The columns 3 are preferably circular in cross section, although other shape of their cross-section may alternatively be used, such as rectangular cross section. The combination of the pontoon 2, heave plate 5 and columns 3 define a buoyant body. The four columns provide buoyancy to support the wind turbine and enough water plane inertia for the stability. Figures 2A and 2B show two schemes of the internal structure of the columns 3 according to embodiments of the invention, in which columns having circular cross section are used. In other words, in the shown embodiment the columns 3 have cylindrical shape. The columns 3 are at least partially hollow. As can be observed, each column may have an internal stiffening structure 31 that provides rigidity to the column. As shown in figures 2A and 2B, the shell 32 of the columns is preferably stiffened with vertical girders 34 (such as 'T' profiles or bulb plates) and ring frames 33 (such as flat plates) to provide sufficient local and global yield and buckling strength. The girders and frames are preferably regularly spaced. The pressure to which each column is subjected in use of the platform increases from top to bottom of the column. In other words, the lower part of each column is subjected to higher pressure than the upper part of each column. Since deeper (lower) sections of the shell 32 is, in use of the platform, subjected to larger pressure loads, each column is preferably divided horizontally into a plurality of sections or construction blocks divided by reinforced decks 35 that are sized according to their largest head of water. Figure 2A also shows the section 36 of a deck. This implies that all the members of the same typology have the same dimensions. The shell 32 of which each column is made is preferably metallic. In a particular embodiment, it is made of steel. The thickness of the metallic sheets varies depending on the height in the column at which these sheets are disposed (the lower in height, the thickest they are).

[0035] The four columns 3 provide buoyancy to support the wind turbine and enough water plane inertia for the stability. The ring pontoon 2 also provides buoyancy and stability. For this purpose, the platform 1 includes two types of ballast to ensure stability: fixed ballast -preferably concrete ballast- which is passive ballast, and active water ballast, which is removable and independent for each column. This water ballast is therefore variable, that is to say, the amount of water acting as ballast in each column is not fixed and is generally different for each column. Concerning the passive or fixed ballast, ring pontoon 2 may be compartmentalized and partially filled with fixed concrete ballast. Therefore, this fixed ballast is in place during the operational life of the platform. As far as the active water ballast is concerned, ballast tanks are located in the bottom section of each column. There is preferably one ballast tank per column. The preferably one ballast tank of each column is independent from the ballast tanks of the other columns. In use of the platform, an active ballast system pumps sea water to each ballast tank to adjust the draft and to compensate for the mean inclination produced by wind loads on the turbine. Each water ballast tank is independent from the other ballast tanks, so there is no transfer of water ballast between columns. Ballast tanks are compartmentalized and each compartment is completely filled with water in operation, to avoid sloshing effects. In a particular embodiment, each tank is divided into a number of compartments preferably varying between 2 and 8, and more preferably between 2 and 5. In other words, the water filling each ballast tank does not travel from one column to another column. As a matter of example, in each column, the first (lowest) compartment, substantially matching the height of the pontoon 2, may be filled with fixed ballast, preferably concrete ballast, while the second compartment may be filled with sea water (variable ballast). The rest of the column is divided in additional compartments preferably varying between 2 and 6. The columns are preferably made of metal, more preferably of steel.

[0036] Figure 3 shows the deck or transition piece 4 disposed on top of the four columns 3 and designed to support the wind turbine. In particular, an exploded view is shown, enabling to see the internal structure of the transition piece 4. The transition piece 4 is preferably a substantially flat piece. The transition piece 4 is made of four connections, preferably rectangular shaped, connecting the upper end of each of the four columns 3 with a central area of part 4, intended to receive the lowest end of a turbine tower. Thus, the upper end of the four columns 3 is located at the distal end of respective arms of the transition piece 4. In other words, transition piece 4 has four arms arranged in a star configuration and protruding from a central point. This central point is the point at which the bottom end of the turbine tower is connected. Preferably, the each pair of neighbor arms of the four arms forming the transition piece 4 is separated by an angle of 90°, that is, two neighbor arms form an angle of 90°. The connection between the transition piece 4 and the end of the four columns 3 is designed to be located above the splash zone, with a clearance above the largest wave crest with a return period of 100 years (that is to say, a 1% probability of being subject to a largest wave crest in one year). The wind turbine is designed to be located centered relative to the columns. The transition piece 4 is preferably made of metal, more preferably of steel.

[0037] Referring back to figures 1A and 1B, the platform 1 has a ring-shaped pontoon 2, that is, a pontoon defining a hollow in its inner part, interconnecting columns at their lower ends. In use of the platform as an offshore structure for supporting one or more wind turbines, the pontoon 2 is submerged. The pontoon 2 is preferably of squared ring-shape. As shown in figure 4A, illustrating the internal structure of the pontoon 2, the pontoon 2 is preferably divided by bulkheads 23 into a plurality of compartments or construction blocks that may be filled with fixed ballast, such as concrete. The pontoon hull is preferably stiffened with ring frames or stringers 22 and girders 21 (horizontal girders) as shown in figures 4B and 4C. Frames 22 and girders 21 are preferably regularly spaced. The pontoon 2 may be made up of four substantially flat portions. Pairs of portions are aligned two to two and adjacent portions form a 90° angle between each other, the four of them forming a substantially flat part having an internal hollow. Thus, each pontoon portion is attached to the base of pairs of adjacent columns. Each pontoon portion extends between the base of pairs of adjacent columns. The outer contour of the pontoon 2 does not exceed the contour of the columns 3. Figure 4B shows in detail another view of the internal structure of two neighbor portions and how they connect to the lowest end of one of the four columns 3 of the platform. The girders 21 along the portions forming the pontoon 2 and stringers 22 transversally disposed with respect to the girders 21 are also shown. The lowest end of the shown column 3 may be welded to the stiffening reinforcement (girders and stringers) of the pontoon 2. Preferably, the stiffening reinforcement of the pontoon matches with the stiffening reinforcement of each column in order for a better transmittal of efforts.

[0038] Figure 4B also shows the internal structure of part of the heave plate 5, which in this case is a heave plate having triangle-shaped portions. It is remarked that although figure 4B refers to a heave plate 5 having triangle-shaped portions, the internal structure of the heave plate applies similarly to a heave plate made of four rectangles (as described in relation to figure 4C and 6B). The heave plate 5 (more precisely, each of the four portions forming the heave plate) may internally be stiffened with girders 51 and stringers 52 transversally disposed with respect to the girders 51. The girders 51 and/or stringers 52 are preferably disposed regularly spaced. Preferably, the stiffening reinforcement of the pontoon (girders 21 and stringers 22) matches with the stiffening reinforcement of each portion of heave plate (girders 51 and stringers 52) in order for a better transmittal of efforts. As can be seen in figures 4B and 4C, the heave plate 5 is preferably a single part, that is to say, each portion (such as triangle-shape or rectangular shape portion) is connected to neighbor portions and their internal structure is also connected. The heave plate 5 is preferably made of metal, more preferably of steel.

[0039] Figures 5A and 5B also show the internal structure of the heave plate 5 and the location of the heave plate with respect to the pontoon 2 and columns 3 of a platform according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the heave plate 5 is made of four triangles, but in alternative embodiments it may be made of rectangles. The heave plate, that is to say, the four portions forming the heave plate 5, are located at the bottom of the structure and in between the columns 3, attached to the internal perimeter of the pontoon 2. The heave plate is preferably supported by cantilevered beams ensuring structural continuity of the column and pontoon reinforcements. No braces are used to support the portions forming the heave plates. The portions forming the heave plate are internal to the perimeter defined by the pontoon. As can be seen in figures 5A and 5B and in figures 6A and 6B, each column (precisely, the base of each column) is disposed closed to the outer diameter of respective corners of the pontoon. The heave plate 5 extends from the inner perimeter of the pontoon 2 towards the inner part of the hollow defined by the pontoon 2 (in other words, towards the inner part of the platform).

[0040] Figures 6A and 6B show respective top views of the buoyant body according to two possible embodiments of the invention. The transition piece is not shown (in operation it is not submerged). In this figures three important design areas or surfaces of the platform are identified: a first surface S1 representing the surface occupied by the pontoon 2 and the four columns 3; a second surface S2 representing the surface occupied by the heave plate 5; and an open surface S3, disposed in the center of the structure and limited by the heave plate and pontoon. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio between the open area S3 to the total area (S1+S2+S3) is designed such that the natural period of the platform in heave is kept equal to or above 20 seconds, as explained next. This ratio may vary depending at least on the wind turbine rated power, as explained next. It may also vary depending on the deployment site conditions.

[0041] The natural frequencies of the whole platform must be out of the sea range periods to avoid resonances. This implies that the rigid body eigen-periods of the set comprised by the floating platform, wind turbine and mooring system must be out of the range varying between 5 s and 19 s (which correspond to the sea periods).

[0042] For semi-submersible platforms, according to DNV-RP-C205 (April 2014) - Table7.1, the natural period for the heave degree of freedom (up / down) is around 20s. Therefore, in heave the excitation force has a period close to the typical natural period of the platform which implies danger of enter in resonance. For avoiding this phenomenon, the surface facing the heave movement (vertical movement) is the key parameter as it is explained below.

[0043] The natural period in heave is given by,

Where,

M Mass of the whole structure (steel structure, ballast, wind turbine, mooring system, etc.).

A₃₃ Heave added mass. It is the inertia added to the platform during vertical movements because when accelerating or decelerating in heave, the platform move (or deflect) the volume of surrounding fluid as it moves through it. The added mas in heave is directly proportional to S1+S2, or in other words, inversely proportional to surface S3.

ρ Sea water density.

g Acceleration of the gravity

S Water plane area. Is the enclosed area of the four columns at the waterline.

[0044] Applying the previous formula to the current platform design, considering different hole apertures, heave plates typologies and different wind turbines power characteristics, the chart shown in figure 7 is obtained. Figure 7 shows the natural period in heave T₃ for different ratios of S3/(S1+S2+S3) for two different wind turbines; a 5 MW wind turbine and a 10 MW wind turbine, the second one being bigger and heavier, as a consequence of which the floating platform must support larger loads. For a 5 MW wind turbine, with the aim of having a natural period in heave higher than 20 s (that is, out of the sea periods typically varying between 5 and 19 s) the ratio of S3/(S1+S2+S3) must be at most 12%. The lower is the percentage, the higher is the cost because more metal (i.e. steel) structure is needed. For a 10 MW wind turbine, with the aim of having a natural frequency period in heave higher than 20 s (that is, out of the sea periods) the ratio of S3/(S1+S2+S3) must be at most 45%. The lower is the percentage, the higher is the cost because more steel structure is needed. Although not shown in figure 7, if wind turbines of power between 5 MW and 10 MW (for example 6 MW, 7MW, 8MW or 9MW) are used, the natural period in heave T₃ curve will show that the ratio of S3/(S1+S2+S3) must be between 12% and 45%. Therefore, the platform is preferably designed such that the natural period of the platform in heave T₃ is kept equal to or above 20 seconds. The specific value of ratio S3/(S1+S2+S3) that enables that the natural period of the platform in heave T₃ is equal or above 20 seconds depends on the type of the wind turbine (in particular, on the power thereof, which has an effect on its size and weight). In a most preferred embodiment, attending to the structure minimum cost, the natural period of the platform in heave T₃ is kept as close as possible to 20 seconds without being lower than 20 seconds, in order to be out of the sea periods typically varying between 5 and 19 s.

[0045] In a particular embodiment of the invention, and considering wind turbines varying between 5 MW and 10 MW, the ratio between the open area S3 to the total area (S1+S2+S3) is kept between 12% and 45%.

[0046] Referring now to the columns of the platform, in some embodiments of the invention, the ratio 'column diameter D / distance between column centres L' is kept as follows:

[0047] This is represented in figure 8B, wherein the distance between column centres L and the column diameter D is shown. In figure 8A, also the column height H, the draft T and the mean sea level MSL are shown. Reasons for this selection 3 < L/D < 6.75 are explained next.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio between distance between column centres L and the column diameter D is designed such that the natural period of the platform in heave and the natural period of the platform in pitch/roll (rotation) is kept equal to or above 20 seconds, as explained next. This ratio may vary depending at least on the wind turbine rated power.

[0049] With the aim of improving the stability while reducing the heeling / trimming angle against overturning due to wind turbine loads, the platform is preferably designed to have metacentric height (GM) always bigger than 6 m. Figures 9A and 9B respectively show the upright floating position and the heeling position of the platform according to embodiments of the invention.

[0050] The metacentric height (GM) can be calculated as:

Where,

KB Centre of buoyancy (height above the keel, the keel being considered the lowest point of the platform), wherein K and B are shown in figures 9A and 9B. B is a movable point due to inclinations.

BM Distance between the centre of buoyancy and the metacentre and can be considered fixed for small heeling/trimming angles. M and G are also shown in figures 9A and 9B.

where I is the second moment of area of the waterplane and V is the displaced volume.

[0051] For the current platform, assuming that the stability is mainly provided by the columns, it can be considered that:

[0052] Where, according to figures 8A and 8B, is the column diameter, T is the draught and L is the distance between column centres.

[0053] KG Distance between the centre of gravity and the keel, as shown in figures 9A and 9B.

[0054] Substituting Eq. 3 and Eq. 4 into Eq. 2:

[0055] Considering that for the current platform KB ≈ KG, GM > 6 and substituting Eq. 5 into Eq. 1 the following expressions are obtained:

[0056] The relation between column centres, draught and diameters expressed in Eq. 12 has been deducted from the premise of GM > 6 established for reducing the heeling/trimming angle against overturning due to wind turbine loads. However, this value has a maximum determined by the natural period of the rotational motions, pitch and roll, to avoid resonances with the sea excitation forces.

[0057] The natural period of rotational motions (T₀) is defined by the Eq. 13 and must be out of the sea excitation forces (5-19s). Notice that in the current platform design, due to symmetry in transversal and longitudinal directions, the natural periods in pitch and roll are equal.

Where,

I Inertia of the whole structure (steel, ballast, wind turbine, mooring system, etc.) in the roll/pitch degree of freedom.

A₀ Roll/pitch added inertia. It is the inertia added to the platform during rotational movements because when accelerating or decelerating in roll/pitch, the platform move (or deflect) the volume of surrounding fluid as it moves through it.

ρ Sea water density.

g Acceleration of gravity.

S Water plane area. Is the enclosed area of the four columns at the waterline.

∇ Displaced volume.

GM Metacentric height.

[0058] As can be seen in Eq. 13, an increase in the GM causes a reduction of the rotational (pitch and roll) period with the consequent risk of being within the sea period range.

[0059] Applying the previous formula (Eq. 13) to the current platform design for calculating the rotational (pitch/roll) natural period, considering the ration between surfaces S3/(S1+S2+S3) already discussed for avoiding resonances in heave and analysing different wind turbines power characteristics, figures 10 and 11 are obtained.

[0060] Figure 10 shows that for a 5 MW wind turbine, with the aim of having a heave (T3) and pitch/roll (T4) natural frequency out of the sea periods (5-19s), the ratio 'distance between columns - column diameter' must be larger than 3 and lower than 4.75, while figure 11 shows that for a 10 MW wind turbine, with the aim of having a heave (T3) and pitch/roll (T4) natural frequency out of the sea periods (5-19s), the ratio 'distance between columns - column diameter' must be bigger than 4.75 and lower than 6.75.

[0061] Therefore, in a particular embodiment for avoiding resonances, the ratio 'distance between columns - column diameter' must be larger than 3 and lower than 6.75. This ratio is preferably narrowed (adjusted) for each specific wind turbine. Thus, while for a 5 MW wind turbine 3<L/D<4.75, and for a 10 MW wind turbine 4.75 <L/D<6.75, for other values of wind turbines (such as 6 MW, 7 MW, 8 MW...) this ratio may be different.

[0062] In sum, due to the nature of the application (offshore wind energy) for which current floating platform is designed, the platform must be designed considering restrictions in terms of heave, pitch and roll natural periods, which for example Oil&gas structures do not have. As a consequence, the specific geometric relations proposed for the current floating platform are completely different than those that may be used for Oil &gas applications.

[0063] Turning back to figures 1A and 1B, the floating platform 1 has a catenary mooring system 6. The platform 1 is anchored to the seabed using conventional mooring lines and drag embedded anchors. The mooring lines 6 may be attached to the columns under the operational waterline using a fairlead. Preferably, the number of mooring lines is the same for all the columns 3. The energy generated by means of the platform (in particular, by the wind turbine and auxiliary equipment disposed on the transition piece) is evacuated by a dynamic cable that connects the floating platform at one end, and another floating platform or another cable to the other end, depending on the configuration of the wind farm.

[0064] Next, the manufacturing and installation procedure of a platform like the one described with reference to figures 1A to 8 is described.

[0065] First, the structure can be manufactured by blocks (columns, pontoons and transition piece).

[0066] The blocks are then assembled. The assembling stage can be performed in different locations, such as in a (i) shipyard, (ii) dry dock, (iii) port dock or (iv) semisubmersible pontoon.

[0067] After its completion, the structure (platform) is loaded out into the water. Depending on the manufacturing facility, the load out operation may require (i) a slipway, (ii) the dry dock flooding, (iii) a crane, a semisubmersible pontoon or a synchro-lift or (iv) the pontoon flooding. In all cases, the required draft for the load out is around 6m.

[0068] Then, the platform is towed to the wind turbine assembly area -port dock- requiring a draft of around 15m.

[0069] At this stage, passive concrete ballast is poured into the pontoons.

[0070] After passive concrete ballast is added, the wind turbine is assembled on top of the floating structure using an onshore crane.

[0071] In case of assembly in dry dock (ii), the last two steps (passive concrete ballast is poured into the pontoons and assembling the wind turbine on top of the floating structure using an onshore crane) can be performed in the dry dock.

[0072] The whole structure is towed to the deployment site in deep water (>50m), where the mooring lines and an umbilical cable are pre-installed.

[0073] Active ballast system is used to reach the operational draft of the structure by filling the tanks with sea water.

[0074] The structure is hooked-up to the moorings and the umbilical cable is attached to the structure.

[0075] If required, the whole structure can be disconnected from the mooring lines and umbilical cable and towed to port for major repairs.

[0076] The same procedure is applicable for the decommissioning: disconnection of the mooring lines and umbilical cable and towing the floating structure included the wind turbine to the dismantling area.

[0077] In sum, a new floating offshore platform for supporting wind energy equipment has been disclosed. The platform is aimed at supporting floating offshore wind equipment by providing an optimized technical solution that maximizes energy production of large wind turbines (for example from 5 to 10 MW) while limiting expensive offshore integration and maintenance procedures, since the manufacturing of the platform and its deployment in the sea together with wind turbines, generators, and other auxiliary equipment, is of great simplicity.

[0078] On the other hand, the invention is obviously not limited to the specific embodiment(s) described herein, but also encompasses any variations that may be considered by any person skilled in the art (for example, as regards the choice of materials, dimensions, components, configuration, etc.), within the general scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A semisubmersible floating platform (1) for supporting at least one wind turbine, comprising four buoyant columns (3); a transition piece (4) having four arms arranged in star configuration and protruding from a central point on which the wind turbine is located in use of the platform, the transition piece (4) being disposed on the buoyant columns (3) at the upper end thereof, the connection between the transition piece (4) and the upper end of the four columns (3) being designed to be located above the sea splash zone; and a heave plate (5);
the semisubmersible floating platform (1) being characterized in that it further comprises a ring pontoon (2) comprising four pontoon portions forming a quadrilateral-shaped ring pontoon (2), wherein the first lower end of each column (3) is attached to a respective corner of said quadrilateral-shaped ring pontoon (2), the heave plate (5) being assembled to the internal perimeter of the ring pontoon (2), the pontoon (2) and heave plate (5) defining a hollow,
each of the buoyant columns (3) comprising at least one ballast tank configured for, in use of the platform, allocating sea water in order to adjust the draft and to compensate for the inclination of the platform (1), said at least one ballast tank comprised in each column (3) being independent of the at least one ballast tank of the other columns (3).

2. The platform (1) of claim 1, wherein said heave plate (5) being formed by four portions located in the internal perimeter of the ring pontoon (2), said four portions of which the heave plate (5) is formed being triangle-shape portions or rectangular-shape portions.

3. The platform (1) of either claim 1 or 2, further comprising an active ballast system configured to pump sea water to each ballast tank of said columns (3), said pumping of sea water being made to each ballast tank independently from the pumping of sea water to other ballast tanks.

4. The platform (1) of any preceding claims, wherein each column (3) is internally stiffened with girders and stringers.

5. The platform (1) of any preceding claims, wherein each column (3) is internally divided into a plurality of sections.

6. The platform (1) of any preceding claims, wherein the four columns (3) have a same diameter (D), the ratio between the distance between two adjacent columns (L) and said column diameter (D) being selected such that the natural period of the platform in heave and the natural period of the platform in pitch/roll is kept equal to or above 20 seconds, said ratio varying on the wind turbine power.

7. The platform (1) of any preceding claims, wherein the rate between the surface (S3) of the hollow defined by the pontoon (2) and heave plate (5) and the sum of the surface (S1) occupied by the pontoon (2) plus the surface (S2) occupied by the heave plate (5) plus the surface (S3) of the hollow defined by the pontoon (2) and heave plate (5) is selected such that the natural period of the platform in heave is kept equal to or above 20 seconds, said ratio varying depending on the wind turbine power.

8. The platform (1) of any preceding claims, wherein the pontoon (2) is divided into a plurality of compartments configured to be filled with fixed ballast.

9. The platform (1) of any preceding claims, wherein the pontoon (2) internally comprises a stiffening structure comprising girders and stringers.

10. The platform (1) of any preceding claims, wherein the heave plate (5) internally comprises a stiffening structure comprising girders and stringers.

11. The platform (1) of claims 4, 9 and 10, wherein the heave plate (5) is supported by cantilevered beams ensuring structural continuity of the columns and pontoons reinforcements.

12. The platform (1) of any preceding claim, further comprising a wind turbine generator placed on said central point of the transition piece (4).

13. The platform (1) of any preceding claim, wherein in used of the platform, the transition piece (4) remains above the wave zone.

14. The platform (1) of any preceding claim, further comprising a catenary mooring system comprising a plurality of catenary mooring lines configured to fixed the platform to the seabed.

15. The platform (1) of any preceding claim, wherein said quadrilateral-shaped ring pontoon (2) is a square-shaped ring pontoon (2).

Ansprüche

1. Halbtauchende schwimmende Plattform (1) zum Tragen mindestens einer Windturbine, die vier schwimmfähige Säulen (3); ein Übergangsbauteil (4) mit vier Armen in Sternkonfiguration angeordnet und von einem Mittelpunkt vorstehend, auf dem die Windturbine bei Benutzung der Plattform angeordnet ist, wobei das Übergangsbauteil (4) auf den schwimmfähigen Säulen (3) an deren oberem Ende angeordnet ist, wobei die Verbindung zwischen dem Übergangsbauteil (4) und dem oberen Ende der vier Säulen (3) dazu bestimmt ist, oberhalb der Seespritzwasserzone angeordnet zu sein; und eine Hubscheibe (5) aufweist;
wobei die halbtauchende schwimmende Plattform (1) dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass sie weiter einen Ringponton (2) aufweist, der vier Pontonabschnitte aufweist, die einen vierseitig geformten Ringponton (2) formen, wobei das erste untere Ende jeder Säule (3) an einer jeweiligen Ecke des vierseitig geformten Ringpontons (2) befestigt ist, wobei die Hubscheibe (5) an den Innenumfang des Ringpontons (2) angefügt wird, wobei der Ponton (2) und die Hubscheibe (5) einen Hohlraum definieren, wobei jede der schwimmfähigen Säulen (3) mindestens einen Ballasttank aufweist, der konfiguriert ist, bei Benutzung der Plattform Meerwasser bereitzustellen, um den Tiefgang anzugleichen und um die Neigung der Plattform (1) zu kompensieren, wobei der in jeder Säule (3) enthaltene mindestens eine Ballasttank von dem mindestens einen Ballasttank der anderen Säulen (3) unabhängig ist.

2. Plattform (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Hubscheibe (5) von vier Abschnitten geformt wird, die sich im Innenumfang des Ringpontons (2) befinden, wobei die vier Abschnitte, von denen die Hubscheibe (5) geformt wird, dreieckige Abschnitte oder rechteckige Abschnitte sind.

3. Plattform (1) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, die weiter ein aktives Ballastsystem aufweist, das konfiguriert ist, Meerwasser zu jedem Ballasttank der Säulen (3) zu pumpen, wobei das Pumpen von Meerwasser zu jedem Ballasttank unabhängig vom Pumpen von Meerwasser zu anderen Ballasttanks erfolgt.

4. Plattform (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei jede Säule (3) innen mit Trägern und Stringern versteift wird.

5. Plattform (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei jede Säule (3) innen in eine Vielzahl von Teilabschnitten aufgeteilt ist.

6. Plattform (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die vier Säulen (3) den gleichen Durchmesser (D) haben, wobei das Verhältnis zwischen dem Abstand zwischen zwei benachbarten Säulen (L) und dem Säulendurchmesser (D) so gewählt wird, dass die Periode der Eigenschwingung der Plattform beim Hub und die Periode der Eigenschwingung der Plattform beim Nicken/Rollen gleich oder länger als 20 Sekunden gehalten wird, wobei das Verhältnis mit der Windturbinenleistung variiert.

7. Plattform (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Verhältnis zwischen der Fläche (S3) des vom Ponton (2) und der Hubscheibe (5) gebildeten Hohlraums und der Summe der vom Ponton (2) eingenommenen Fläche (S1) plus der von der Hubscheibe (5) eingenommenen Fläche (S2) plus der von dem vom Ponton (2) und von der Hubscheibe (5) definierten Hohlraum eingenommenen Fläche (S3) so gewählt wird, dass die Periode der Eigenschwingung der Plattform beim Hub gleich oder länger als 20 Sekunden gehalten wird, wobei das Verhältnis abhängig von der Windturbinenleistung variiert.

8. Plattform (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Ponton (2) in eine Vielzahl von Abteilen aufgeteilt ist, die konfiguriert sind, mit festem Ballast gefüllt zu werden.

9. Plattform (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Ponton (2) innen eine Versteifungsstruktur aufweist, die Träger und Stringer aufweist.

10. Plattform (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Hubscheibe (5) innen eine Versteifungsstruktur aufweist, die Träger und Stringer aufweist.

11. Plattform (1) nach den Ansprüchen 4, 9 und 10, wobei die Hubscheibe (5) von Kragarmen getragen wird, die eine strukturelle Kontinuität der Säulen und Pontonverstärkungen gewährleisten.

12. Plattform (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die weiter einen Windturbinengenerator aufweist, der am Mittelpunkt des Übergangsbauteils (4) angeordnet ist.

13. Plattform (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei bei der Benutzung der Plattform das Übergangsbauteil (4) oberhalb der Wellenzone bleibt.

14. Plattform (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, die weiter ein Kettenverankerungssystem aufweist, das eine Vielzahl von Kettenfestmachern aufweist, die konfiguriert sind, die Plattform am Meeresboden zu befestigen.

15. Plattform (1) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der vierseitig geformte Ringponton (2) ein quadratischer Ringponton (2) ist.

Revendications

1. Plateforme flottante semi-submersible (1) pour supporter au moins une turbine éolienne, comprenant quatre colonnes flottantes (3) ; un organe de transition (4) ayant quatre bras agencés en configuration d'étoile et faisant saillie d'un point central sur lequel se trouve la turbine éolienne lors de l'utilisation de la plateforme, l'organe de transition (4) étant disposé sur les colonnes flottantes (3) à l'extrémité supérieure de celles-ci, le raccord entre l'organe de transition (4) et l'extrémité supérieure des quatre colonnes (3) étant conçu pour se trouver au-dessus de la zone éclaboussée par les vagues ; et une plaque de pilonnement (5) ;
la plateforme flottante semi-submersible (1) étant caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend en outre un ponton annulaire (2) comprenant quatre parties de ponton formant un ponton annulaire en forme de quadrilatère (2), dans laquelle la première extrémité inférieure de chaque colonne (3) est fixée à un coin respectif dudit ponton annulaire en forme de quadrilatère (2), la plaque de pilonnement (5) étant assemblée au périmètre interne du ponton annulaire (2), le ponton (2) et la plaque de pilonnement (5) définissant un creux,
chacune des colonnes flottantes (3) comprenant au moins un réservoir de ballast configuré pour, lors de l'utilisation de la plateforme, répartir l'eau de mer afin de régler le tirant d'eau et de compenser l'inclinaison de la plateforme (1), ledit au moins un réservoir de ballast compris dans chaque colonne (3) étant indépendant dudit au moins un réservoir de ballast des autres colonnes (3).

2. Plateforme (1) selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ladite plaque de pilonnement (5) est formée par quatre parties se trouvant dans le périmètre interne du ponton annulaire (2), lesdites quatre parties dont la plaque de pilonnement (5) est formée étant des parties en forme de triangle ou des parties en forme de rectangle.

3. Plateforme (1) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, comprenant en outre un système de ballast actif configuré pour pomper de l'eau de mer à chaque réservoir de ballast desdites colonnes (3), ledit pompage d'eau de mer étant effectué à chaque réservoir de ballast indépendamment du pompage d'eau de mer aux autres réservoirs de ballast.

4. Plateforme (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle chaque colonne (3) est renforcée intérieurement avec des poutres et des longerons.

5. Plateforme (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle chaque colonne (3) est divisée intérieurement en une pluralité de sections.

6. Plateforme (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle les quatre colonnes (3) ont le même diamètre (D), le rapport entre la distance entre deux colonnes adjacentes (L) et ledit diamètre de colonne (D) étant choisi de sorte que la période naturelle de la plateforme en pilonnement et la période naturelle de la plateforme en tangage/roulis sont maintenues égales ou supérieures à 20 secondes, ledit rapport variant en fonction de la puissance de la turbine éolienne.

7. Plateforme (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le rapport entre la surface (S3) du creux défini par le ponton (2) et la plaque de pilonnement (5) et la somme de la surface (S1) occupée par le ponton (2) plus la surface (S2) occupée par la plaque de pilonnement (5) plus la surface (S3) du creux défini par le ponton (2) et la plaque de pilonnement (5) est choisi de sorte que la période naturelle de la plateforme en pilonnement est maintenue égale ou supérieure à 20 secondes, ledit rapport variant en fonction de la puissance de la turbine éolienne.

8. Plateforme (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le ponton (2) est divisé en une pluralité de compartiments configurés pour être remplis avec du ballast fixe.

9. Plateforme (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le ponton (2) comprend intérieurement une structure de renforcement comprenant des poutres et des longerons.

10. Plateforme (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle la plaque de pilonnement (5) comprend intérieurement une structure de renforcement comprenant des poutres et des longerons.

11. Plateforme (1) selon les revendications 4, 9 et 10, dans laquelle la plaque de pilonnement (5) est supportée par des poutres en porte-à-faux assurant une continuité structurale des renforcements des colonnes et du ponton.

12. Plateforme (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un générateur éolien placé sur ledit point central de l'organe de transition (4).

13. Plateforme (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle lors de l'utilisation de la plateforme, l'organe de transition (4) demeure au-dessus de la zone de vagues.

14. Plateforme (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant en outre un système d'amarrage caténaire comprenant une pluralité de lignes d'amarrage caténaires configurées pour fixer la plateforme au fond marin.0

15. Plateforme (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit ponton annulaire en forme de quadrilatère (2) est un ponton annulaire en forme de carré (2).

Drawing